The air is crisp, football season is back and the leaves are vivid reds, oranges and yellows. It’s officially fall! Although the season looks different, and everyone is wearing face masks instead of Halloween costumes, there is still plenty of fall-themed fun for you to enjoy while staying safe and healthy. Check out these fall activities happening around Philadelphia this month.
Eastern State Penitentiary “Night Tours”
The infamous prison canceled their annual haunted house but opened its yards and cellblocks for visitors to explore at night. Visitors can walk through the penitentiary on a self-guided or audio tour to see Al Capone’s cell and view animated films and art exhibits about today’s prisons and mass incarceration.
Health and safety protocols in place include mask requirements, physical distancing protocols and increased routine cleanings throughout the penitentiary. Night tours are available through Nov. 15 and tickets must be purchased in advance.
Hike at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Just under a two-hour drive from campus, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, near Redding and Allentown, is the perfect place to enjoy nature and see the colorful fall foliage. Hiking will get you outdoors to take in the fresh air, while still practicing social distancing.
At Hawk Mountain, there are more than eight miles of hiking trails, with varying lengths and difficulties. Many of the trails lead to great scenic lookouts and views, where there is a chance to see a hawk in the wild. Masks are required in populated areas.
Halloween Movies at The Philly Drive-In
The Philly Drive-In is hosting a free drive-in series of movies in Fairmount Park outside of the Mann Center for Performing Arts. The Drive-In will feature Halloween movies, including Hocus Pocus, Beetlejuice, Halloween II and more. The movies are screened Wednesday and Friday nights through Oct. 30. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time and presented at check-in.
FallFest at Shady Brook Farm
Shady Brook Farm is an hour drive from campus, and their FallFest offers classic fall activities including bonfires, a corn maze, wagon rides, a pumpkin patch and live music on the weekends. FallFest is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Fright Factory
Fright Factory, the ultimate haunted house experience in South Philadelphia, is celebrating their 20 year anniversary. It’s a scary and startling haunted house inside a 120-year-old factory building.
Health and safety protocols in place include a reduced capacity, a mandatory mask requirement and temperature check for visitors. Fright Factory is open Oct. 16-18, 22-25 and 28-31. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
